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Understanding Human Trafficking Education Requirements for Florida Nurses

Human trafficking is a devastating crime that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds—and Florida remains one of the states with the highest rates of reported human trafficking cases. Because healthcare professionals are often in a unique position to identify and assist victims, the state of Florida has made education on this topic a requirement for healthcare licensure.

Florida Human Trafficking Education Requirements for Nurses

Under Florida law (Section 464.013, F.S.), all nurses—Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)—must complete a continuing education course on human trafficking as part of their licensure requirements.

The specifics of the requirement include:

  • One-time, 1-hour CE course on human trafficking.
  • Must be completed by the first license renewal after January 1, 2019.
  • The course must be board-approved and must include information on identifying and reporting human trafficking victims.

This training is not just a regulatory box to check—it’s designed to help nurses understand the scope of human trafficking and gain the skills necessary to recognize the signs, respond appropriately, and help connect victims to safety and support services.

How Nurses Can Help Combat Human Trafficking

Nurses are often among the few professionals who come into contact with trafficking victims during their exploitation. These patients may not disclose their circumstances unless a healthcare provider is trained to recognize red flags such as:

  • A patient who avoids eye contact or seems fearful.
  • Someone who is not in control of their ID, money, or personal documents.
  • Patients with signs of abuse, poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, or who are accompanied by a controlling individual.

By understanding the indicators and knowing the proper protocols for intervention, nurses can save lives and offer victims a path out of exploitation.

Pedagogy Education’s Human Trafficking Course for Florida Healthcare Professionals

To meet Florida's CE requirement and empower healthcare workers with practical, actionable knowledge, Pedagogy Education offers the course: Human Trafficking Education for Florida Healthcare Professionals

This course is tailored specifically for Florida healthcare providers and includes:

  • Definitions and types of human trafficking (labor and sex trafficking).
  • Current trafficking statistics, with a focus on trends in Florida.
  • Risk factors and vulnerable populations.
  • Recognizing physical and behavioral signs of trafficking.
  • Interview techniques and trauma-informed care strategies.
  • Legal obligations for reporting under Florida law.
  • Available community and state resources for victim support.

Why Choose Online Education?

Online continuing education through Pedagogy offers several distinct advantages:

  • Flexible access: Learn anytime, from any device, without the need to travel or attend in-person classes.
  • Self-paced learning: Stop and start on your schedule—ideal for busy nursing professionals.
  • Instant certificates: Upon course completion, certificates are immediately available to download and use for license renewal.
  • Engaging content: Pedagogy’s expert nurse educators ensure content is clear, up-to-date, and relevant to clinical practice.

Final Thoughts

Florida nurses play a crucial role in identifying and aiding victims of human trafficking. Fulfilling the state’s education requirement is not just a legal necessity—it is a professional and moral responsibility.

With Pedagogy Education’s Human Trafficking Education for Florida Healthcare Professionals, you can meet the requirement with confidence and gain the knowledge needed to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by trafficking.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Protect your patients.